Lighthouse of Manasota Has New Director

Chip Willis is the new Executive Director of The Lighthouse of Manasota. Prior to coming to The Lighthouse, Chip was the Chief Operating Officer of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation. In that role, Chip was responsible for all of the business functions of the museum.

He is also a veteran of the hospitality industry with 26 years of management experience. Before joining The Ringling Museum, Chip worked at Club Corp, Inc., a $1.5 billion company known as the leader in the private club and resort business.  While working with Club Corp, Inc., he had responsibilities for clubs in eight states. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Tennessee. He is also active in the community serving on civic and arts organizations, as well as charitable boards.

Josh Kollman, Chairman of the Board, "On behalf of the Lighthouse Board I wish to congratulate Chip Willis on his appointment as our new Executive Director. The board was well aware of Chip's accomplishments at the Ringling and we now look forward to working with him in his new role."  

The Lighthouse of Manasota provides education and specialized training to children and adults with vision loss and blindness in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Desoto and Highlands counties.